Tag Archives: JR Ward

Crown of War & Shadow by JR Ward-review

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Crown of War & Shadow (Kingdoms of the Compass 1) by JR Ward-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 17, 2026

An outcast burdened with a curse. A mercenary out for himself. A kingdom that must be saved.

In the deep, dark, dead of night, passions rise, and empires fall…

The Fulcrum is failing, and demons are slipping into the mortal world.

No one is safe.

Especially not Sorrel. An orphan and an outcast within the walls of her small village because of her mystical abilities. She wants to survive…and find somewhere she can call her true home. But Fate has other plans.

Sorrel has been chosen. Cursed.

She must cross the Badlands to return the Queen’s crown and convince the fearsome female to save their world from destruction.

Well aware she’s no brave hero, Sorrel makes a dangerous deal with Merc, a brooding, commanding mercenary known only by his unscrupulous profession.

The deal? A night in his bed that she will never forget, in exchange for her safe passage.

But Merc has secrets of his own, and even though desire runs hot between them, adventure, danger, and betrayal lurk around every corner.

••••••••

REVIEW: CROWN OF WAR AND SHADOW is the first instalment in JR Ward’s adult KINGDOMS OF THE COMPASS dark, fantasy adventure series focusing on barmaid Sorrel, and the man with whom she will fall in love, Merc.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Sorrel) CROWN OF WAR AND SHADOW follows Sorrel as she is tasked with returning the crown of war and shadow to the ‘queen who sees no one’. Orphaned as a new born, Sorrel was raised by the local inn keeper, a man who treated our heroine no more than a slave but the arrival of a mercenary for hire, and the increasing demon attacks on the local herds, find the innkeeper ‘gifting’ a box from her past to our story line heroine, forcing Sorrel on a cross country journey in an effort to return the crown of war and shadow, to its’ rightful owner. All is not as is appears to be as Sorrel and Merc find themselves facing a flock of night fliers, a marauding band of spiders, and an army of the undead, souls who have been reaped by the Dark King.

The world building is detailed and complex as Sorrel’s magical abilities increase as the couple cross charred lands and ruined villages. Sorrel refuses to play the victim but needs Merc’s help to reach her final destination where our heroine will discover a familiar darkness that she has suspected all along.

The relationship between Merc and Sorrel is one of forced proximity; reluctant hero and chosen mates. Sorrel possesses magic; with the ability to heal those who have yet to pass on, Sorrel will soon discover the source of her power is more than she could have ever imagined. The $ex scenes are impassioned, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, dangerous, and edgy secondary and supporting characters many of whom have an ulterior motive as it pertains to our story line heroine. From villagers to questionable businessmen, demonic birds and spiders, barmaids, and cooks, our couple encounter a vast array of determined creatures, many of whom are not whom they present themselves to be.

CROWN OF WAR AND SHADOW is a slow building story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, dysfunctional family dynamics, power and control, friendships and acceptance. The premise is dark, dramatic and edgy; the romance is limited yet subtle; the characters are desperate and determined. CROWN OF WAR AND SHADOW ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

For more information about J.R. Ward, visit:

https://jrward.com/

Connect with J.R Ward:

Facebook: https://bit.ly/45rl1vm

Instagram: https://bit.ly/4mb76Py

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Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3GNap0E

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4mo0KwD

Youtube: https://bit.ly/4mk3ElO

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4peXs0O

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The BDB 20th Anniversary Insider’s Guide by JR Ward-review tour

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THE BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD 20TH Anniversary Insider’s Guide by JR Ward-review tour

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*Submissions will be accepted until Sunday, December 7th.*

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 2, 2025

Vampire warriors in black leather and tattoos.
Passionate love stories that pierce the heart.
Dark nights filled with drama, chaos, and epic battles in the shadows of Caldwell, NY…
And then there are the unicorn pajamas. And the Tootsie Pops.

Welcome back to the world of the iconic, #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series. With millions of devoted readers across the globe, these unforgettable books have redefined paranormal romance. Now, to celebrate two decades of the Brothers, author J.R. Ward opens the door to their world once more.

Inside this all-new 20th Anniversary Insider’s Guide, Ward reflects on the journey—sharing behind-the-scenes moments, heartfelt memories, candid writing advice, and insight into the challenges and triumphs of her long and legendary career. She also brings back the original Brothers in a mix of classic content and never-before-seen material, including:

• A brand-new novella, Happy Anniversary– Revisit Wrath and Beth as they reclaim the time lost between them. Tender, erotic, and emotional, this story returns to the couple who started it all—and proves that happily ever after doesn’t always come easy.
• Brotherhood updates, as J.R. interviews the Brothers to reveal where they are now.
• Fan-favorite features like Ask a Brother, Vishous’s Agony Aunt Column, Kitchen Corner with Fritz, and Bella’s Books.
• Playlists, monthly horoscopes, and more.

This keepsake collection is more than just an insider’s look—it’s a love letter to the fans, the world, and the unforgettable characters that have made the Black Dagger Brotherhood a genre-defining phenomenon. Whether you’ve been here from the beginning or are just now feeling the pull… this book is for you.

•••••

REVIEW:THE BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD: 20th Anniversary Guide is a ‘love letter ‘ to the author’s fan, the readers and the characters. The 20th Anniversary Guide should not be read as a stand alone, the reader should have some working knowledge of the series and the numerous characters.

From the outset, JR Ward will revisit the original brothers: Wrath, Thor, Vishous, Zsadist, Phury and Rhage but like the warriors they are, there is little time to catch up but for a small peak at their current life, including missives from the Mansion.

THE BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD: 20th Anniversary Guide revisits Mary and Vishous’ advise column aptly called : Vishous’s Agony Aunts Column: an entire year of Lassister’s Monthly Horoscopes, and Excerpts from the Caldwell Courier Journal. There is a cameo from Eddie and Adrian, The Fallen Angels, as well as Bella’s book recommendations and reviews, and Fritz’s Kitchen Corner Recipes. There is a BDB soundtrack list, as well as a Rapid Fire Q&A, and JR Ward offers plenty of advice for writers and authors.

As to the missing thirty-three years, the reader is up close and personal as Beth must come to terms with the loss of the vampire King Wrath, her husband and the father of LW (Little Wrath). Using present day and memories from the past, as LW’s ‘regent’, Beth would stand in to adjudicate disputes and issues, all the while, the Black Dagger Brotherhood would watch and stand guard, as their queen struggles with the loss and her grief. Between present day and throughout the past, the reader is pulled into a new beginning of a sorts for the warriors as they follow Beth in her quest for answers, and some semblance of peace but Wrath’s return brings more questions for the woman whose heart he destroyed, and the Brothers he left behind,including the son he barely knows.

THE BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD: 20th Anniversary Guide is an ode to the past twenty years as vampire warriors find fated love and enduring friendships- Detailed and entertaining, familiar and heart breaking .

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

For more information about J.R. Ward, visit:

https://jrward.com/

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Lover Forbidden (The Blackdagger Brotherhood) by JR Ward-review

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♥️⚔️Lover Forbidden (The Blackdagger Brotherhood) by JR Ward-review tour♥️⚔️

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 9, 2025

The aristocracy is making a run for the throne…

When Lyric goes out for the night, she’s not ready for a brush with death—and she’s really not ready for the male who comes out of nowhere and saves her. Her family, especially her father, Qhuinn, are so relieved she’s okay, but all she can think about is her mysterious savior.

Without telling anybody, she seeks out Devlin, and they are immediately drawn to one another. Her near-death experience has given her a fresh appreciation for life and the desire to live it to its fullest, but she has no idea that he’s hiding a secret—or that he could be the key to ending the war between the Black Dagger Brotherhood and the lessers forever.

••••••

REVIEW:LOVER FORBIDDEN is the twenty-third instalment in JR Ward’s contemporary, adult BLACKDAGGER BROTHERHOOD paranormal, romance series focusing on a group of vampire warriors known as the Blackdagger Brotherhood, and their King Wrath, son of Wrath. This is Lyric, daughter of Quinn, Blay, the Chosen Layla, and her hellren Xcor, and Devlin aka Dev’s story line.LOVER FORBIDDEN can be read as a stand alone but I recommend some working knowledge of the series, especially the last few instalments for back story and cohesion.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Lyric and Dev, LOVER FORBIDDEN follows several paths including the building but ultimately forbidden romance between our story line couple. Lyric is a popular social media influencer who has come to the decision she wants something more, but a stormy wintery night, finds our heroine rescued by the man with whom she will fall in love. Dev is struggling with a direction in life, and rescuing Lyric from a falling billboard finds our hero pulled into the aura that is our story line heroine but both Lyric and Dev keep secret about who and what they are, something that will eventually split our couple apart when secrets revealed threaten any possibility of a future together.

Meanwhile, LW aka Little Wrath, heir to the vampire throne is embattled in his own personal and private war. A near fatal injury finds Little Wrath rejecting the female who is hoping for a future with LW, but LW struggles with the possibility that his future is compromised, and no longer his own.

The Lessening Society, determined to eradicate the vampire hierarchy and take control, found themselves a new leader, a new Omega, and with it, but ultimately the same target. The Omega is using the vampire aristocracy in his war against the people in charge, a war Lash and Devina’s story continues to build since their relationship jump off in LASSITER, wherein the vampire and demon’s fight for power is only the beginning.

The complex world building focuses on the second generation of vampire warriors, sons and daughters of the Blackdagger Brotherhood. Expected to follow in their parents’ footsteps, a different future may await as life changes set each on a different path.

There is another large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and powerful secondary and supporting characters including many of the original BDB vampires, their shellans, and hellrens, and second generation vampires and warriors.

LOVER FORBIDDEN is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, acceptance and love. The premise is detailed, dramatic and edgy; the romance is fated but struggles in the face of perceived betrayal and revelations of heartbreak and lies; the characters are numerous, charismatic and energetic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

J.R. Ward is the author of over thirty novels, including those in her #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling series, The Black Dagger Brotherhood. There are more than 15 million copies of Ward’s novels in print worldwide and they have been published in 25 different countries around the world.

After graduating from law school, Ward began working in healthcare in Boston and spent many years as Chief of Staff of one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation. She lives in the south with her incredibly supportive husband and her beloved golden retriever. Writing has always been her passion and her idea of heaven is a whole day of nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot.

For more information about J.R. Ward, visit:

https://jrward.com/

Connect with J.R Ward:

Facebook: https://bit.ly/45rl1vm
Instagram: https://bit.ly/4mb76Py
TikTok: https://bit.ly/4mkd8O2
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3GNap0E
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4mo0KwD
Youtube: https://bit.ly/4mk3ElO
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4peXs0O

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A Bloom In Winter (Black Dagger Brotherhood) by JR Ward-review

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A Bloom In Winter (Black Dagger Brotherhood World) by JR Ward-review

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Hard Cover edition on SALE at B&N for only $13.00

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 12, 2024

Nothing warms a cold heart like true love, and in this newest Black Dagger Brotherhood winter book, a fighter who has never been a savior finds himself falling in love—and trying to rescue—a male who’s lost all hope.

With the BDB training center reopening, and the Brothers looking to add more soldiers in the war against the Lessening Society, fan favorite Callum decides to find his purpose in fighting. Apex knows what suffering the male has survived, and he joins the program just to make sure Callum doesn’t get himself killed. As the two hit the streets, and the danger gets real, Callum must decide whether he can open himself up to love or if he will give in to his inner darkness and spiral down into an abyss of hatred and death…forever.

••••••

REVIEW:A BLOOM IN WINTER by JR Ward is an adult, paranormal, romance story line set in the author’s Black Dagger Brotherhood World.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives A BLOOM IN WINTER, following two time lines and several intersecting pathways includes a plot to take down Wrath the Blind King, and the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Mahricelle ‘Mahrci’ Whestmorel is in seclusion, hiding in her family’s summer home Camp Ghreylke, in the wake of an arranged mating she does not want. Her father has sent his head of security, vampire Apex, and his assistant Mayhem, to set up a new security system, in an effort to retrieve his wayward daughter, and bring her home. Mayhem finds himself pulled into the aura that is our story line heroine, a woman who is struggling in the face of potential betrayal.

Meanwhile, Apex comes face to face with his past, a male he once loved, a male who continues to struggle with the demons from years before. Enter Wolven Callum, the male Apex thought he had lost. As each couple dances with their attraction to their significant others, the BDB begin an investigation into the murder of a once prominent member of the original Glymera, a society of rich vampires who appear to be on the rise, taking aim at Wrath and the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

A BLOOM IN WINTER is a story of a building betrayal, one developing relationship, and a rekindling romance. Mayhem has fallen for a female promised to someone else; Apex struggles with his attraction to a male who is too broken to let go of the past. The relationship between Mayhem and Mahrci is one of immediate attraction but Mayhem’s time at the Whestmorel summer residence is limited, and Mahrci is biding her time before she has to run again. Apex stood by Callum thirty years earlier, in the wake of Callum’s torture and abuse at the Wolven prison camp but Callum ran, and Apex has been hoping for the male’s return. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

The dynamic secondary and supporting characters include several members of the BDB including Wrath, Tohr, V,, Rhage, Qhuinn, and Saxton. We are quickly introduced to Sympath Blade, Mahrci’s ex Remis, and her father Whestmorel.

A BLOOM IN WINTER is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, greed and obsession, acceptance and love. The premise is dramatic, entertaining and captivating; the romances are fated and impassioned; the characters are determined and charismatic.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Beloved (Black Dagger Brotherhood 22) by JR Ward-review

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The Beloved (Black Dagger Brotherhood 22) by JR Ward-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 9, 2024

Nalla, the blooded daughter of Zsadist, has led a sheltered life. Protected by her father and the Brotherhood, kept away from the deadly war with the Lessening Society, she is chafing against the walls of the very safety that has ensured her survival. One night, she gives in to her restlessness…and finds herself face-to-face with a male whose inner darkness rivals even that of her sire’s horrific origins.

Nate is a fighter with nothing to lose—and nothing to live for. Tortured in a human lab as a young, then cursed with immortality, he is all vengeance and no purpose because he cares for no one—not even himself. The Brotherhood knows this all too well and following Nate’s deliberate violation of the cardinal rule in the war, they declare him a dangerous liability that must be dealt with.

When Nalla and Nate find themselves fighting side by side, daggers aren’t the only things that fly. A sizzling attraction is ignited, though Nalla knows her sire will never accept him—and on his side, Nate has made a secret bargain to end his own immortality. As the enemy closes in, and Nalla realizes she must choose between her mate and her sire, what starts with such passion may well end with eternal sorrow and no chance of a reunion—even in the Fade.

••••

REVIEW:THE BELOVED is the twenty-second instalment in JR Ward’s adult BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD paranormal, romance series. This is Nalla and Nate’s story line. THE BELOVED can be read as a stand alone but for back story and history, I recommend reading book twenty-one LASSITER, where most of the current story line begins.

NOTE: THE BELOVED is the start of a new series arc focusing on the next/second generation vampires and BDB warriors, although many of the previous BDB warriors make cameo appearances.

Told from numerous omniscient third person perspectives, following several intersecting paths, THE BELOVED advances the series approximately thirty-three years. Nalla, blooded daughter of Zsadist and Bella is struggling with her place in the family. For years the BDB have been pulled back into a war with the Lessening Society, and our heroine feels like an afterthought even though her life and her heart have the protection of the entire BDB. Nalla never expected to fall for Nate, the adopted son of Murhder and Sarah, a young man who spent years tortured and abused, a young man whose back story and suffering was much like her father’s.

Meanwhile, Bitty, has come unto her own, and with it, her own abilities are much more powerful. Able to ‘see’ certain outcomes and possibilities, Bitty is desperate to warn those who are battling themselves, but often times the warning may go unheeded by those involved.

As the Lessening society continues to grow in numbers and powers, their new leader begins to target individual members of the BDB, pushing those, sitting on the fringe, back into the family, where they belong.

THE BELOVED is a another complex and complicated story as many of the previous story line (LASSITER) questions remain unanswered. Several secondary characters who had promising possibilities are no longer mentioned or have disappeared, several had crossed-over from the author’s interconnected Fallen Angel series. The thirty-three year gap reveals a much older second generation, many of whom have had their transformations or about to go into their needings, yet the three decade jump comes with few details or highlights.

THE BELOVED is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control; depression and desperation; family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is intriguing and intense; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are determined, dangerous and frenzied but Nalla, Nate, LW and Bitty’s growth comes with the attitude of most teenagers struggling to form their own identities, and in this, I often felt like I was reading a YA story line. Although, now ranging in age from mid-thirties to sixties, the teenage angst is strong and demanding.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Website/

J.R. Ward is the author of over thirty novels, including those in her #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling series, The Black Dagger Brotherhood. There are more than 15 million copies of Ward’s novels in print worldwide and they have been published in 25 different countries around the world.

After graduating from law school, Ward began working in healthcare in Boston and spent many years as Chief of Staff of one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation. She lives in the south with her incredibly supportive husband and her beloved golden retriever. Writing has always been her passion and her idea of heaven is a whole day of nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot.

Visit the JRWard Facebook Page

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Mine (Lair of the Wolven 3) by JR Ward-review

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Mine (Lair of the Wolven 3) by JR Ward-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 23, 2024

In this finale, Lydia and Daniel are bracing themselves for his inevitable decline but first, they must go on a rescue mission that will put both their lives in danger.

•••••

REVIEW:MINE is the third and final instalment in JR Ward’s contemporary, adult THE LAIR OF THE WOLVEN paranormal, urban fantasy series-a spin off set in the author’s Black Dagger Brotherhood world. This is drifter/handyman Daniel Joseph, and wolven/scientist/wolf behaviorist Lydia Susi’s storyline. MINE should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book two FOREVER.

NOTE: The Wolven were first introduced in JR Ward’s LOVER UNLEASHED, and first appear in THE JACKAL.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives, following two intersecting paths MINE is the culmination of three instalments in which our hero Daniel Joseph, slowly dying from cancer, struggles with the inevitable, and his relationship with Lydia Susi, a wolven who is desperate to save the man whom she loves. Meanwhile, Dr. Gus St. Claire, has developed a possible cure for cancer but his lady love, Dr. CP Phalen, has refused his treatment, and the doctor becomes a target of someone hoping to claim what the doctor has developed.

Adding to the already complicated story line, sympath, and John Matthew’s shellan Xhex is fighting her own battles, and the demons from the past may be interfering in with her life going forward. All is not well with John Matthew’s love, and the evidence reveals Xhex may have crossed a line of no return. Struggling with the return of her brother Blade, Xhex discovers Blade has a softer side for family and friends.

MINE is a complicated and detailed story line building upon the previous two instalments. Cancer is pervasive throughout the trilogy, a cure, a stumble, greed and a couple of happily ever afters, as well as a cyborg army but saying that, there remains many unanswered questions including the reveal of the person(s) behind a series of grizzly murders, and Xhex’s brother Blade’s future, a man who fell in love with a woman who was in love with another man. The premise is dramatic; the romance is fated and impassioned; the characters are dynamic and charismatic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one CLAIMED

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Website/

J.R. Ward is the author of more than thirty novels, including those in her #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series. There are more than fifteen million copies of her novels in print worldwide, and they have been published in twenty-six different countries around the world. She lives in the South with her family.

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Darius (Blackdagger Brotherhood-Prequel) by JR Ward-review

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Darius (Blackdagger Brotherhood) by JR Ward-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 5, 2023

Darius, son of Marklon, isn’t looking for love the night destiny comes to claim him. He’s also not interested in crashing his new car. But when a human woman runs out into the road and he must swerve to avoid killing her…everything goes off course.

Disillusioned by his King’s lack of leadership and the losses in the war against the Lessening Society, Darius finds purpose in protecting a woman he cannot make his own. Love finds a way, however—until the truth of what he is comes out and she leaves him in horror.

Unbeknownst to them both, Anne is carrying his young, a female who is destined to be Queen—and after a tragic reunion, he vows to protect their daughter. Resigned to perpetual sadness, he is determined to serve the memory of his beloved no matter the cost…unless by some miracle, fate sees fit to once again bring them together.

••••••••

REVIEW:DARIUS is the prequel storyline in JR Ward’s contemporary, adult BLACKDAGGER BROTHERHOOD paranormal romance series focusing on a group of warrior vampires known as the Blackdagger Brotherhood. This is the story of Darius and Anne, Beth’s parents. DARIUS can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion, I recommend reading or having some knowledge of book one DARK LOVER.

DARIUS was first released in audio format in July 2022.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including domestic assault, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person (Darius), and third person perspective DARIUS  follows the short lived relationship between Beth’s parents Darius and Anne, and the resulting birth of the vampire’s Queen.

ON the night they met, Darius, son of Marklon, rescued and saved the woman with whom he would fall in love but as a member of the vampire species, and the Blackdagger Brotherhood, Darius is unable to reveal the truth, or claim the woman who would give birth to his only young. As Darius and Anne’s relationship began to grow, Anne’s past would seek vengeance, revealing the truth about the who and what of the man with whom she was falling in love. Twenty years would pass before Anne would once again come face to face with Darius, twenty years in which Darius watched from afar as his daughter grew into the woman who would control the King’s heart.

Several of the series characters make cameo appearances: Fritz, Vishous, Zsadist, Phury, Havers, Xhex and JM, Beth and Wrath.

DARIUS is a revealing, emotional, action packed and heart breaking story of love, betrayal, acceptance and loss. The premise is edgy, haunting and tragic; the romance is tender and fated ; the characters are animated but doomed.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Website/

J.R. Ward is the author of over thirty novels, including those in her #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling series, The Black Dagger Brotherhood. There are more than 15 million copies of Ward’s novels in print worldwide and they have been published in 25 different countries around the world.

After graduating from law school, Ward began working in healthcare in Boston and spent many years as Chief of Staff of one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation. She lives in the south with her incredibly supportive husband and her beloved golden retriever. Writing has always been her passion and her idea of heaven is a whole day of nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot.

Visit the JRWard Facebook Page

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Lassiter (The Blackdagger Brotherhood 21) by JR Ward-review

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Lassiter (The Blackdagger Brotherhood 21) by JR Ward-review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 11, 2023

Lassiter, the fallen angel, is too good at the savior business. In his new role overseeing the fates of all vampires, he’s influenced outcomes he shouldn’t have- so the Creator is calling him home. But the angel has a reason to stay in Caldwell. He’s bonded with a mysterious female who’s seemed to appear from out of nowhere… and has powers that defy all reason.

Rahvyn is well aware that she doesn’t belong in the present. And she never intended to stay, for her true place is in the past. Lassiter proves to be undeniable, however, and she lets herself fall for the angel- until a secret he’s been keeping comes out and she fears that for him, it’s not about love, but duty.

As the Omega’s son reestablishes the Lessening Society, and the Brotherhood must resume the deadly war- an unfathomable tragedy occurs. In the aftermath, Rahvyn has to decide whether to stay and help- or save herself from an immortal heartbreak she knows will crush her very soul…

•••••

REVIEW: LASSITER is the twenty-first instalment in JR Ward’s contemporary, adult BLACKDAGGER BROTHERHOOD paranormal/fantasy romance series focusing on a group of warrior vampires known as the Blackdagger Brotherhood. This is fallen angel/ Scribe Virgin Lassiter, and Rahvyn’s story line. LASSITER should not be read as a stand alone. I recommend reading book twenty LOVER ARISEN for back story and cohesion-the current timeline has been building for most of the series.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

**If you have not read any of the previous, recent instalments, there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives LASSITER follows several paths including the building relationship between fallen angel turned Scribe Virgin Lassiter, and Rahvyn. At the end of LOVER ARISEN Lassiter had sacrificed his soul to save the Band of B&stards warrior Balthazar, and in doing so, felt himself unworthy of love, especially the female that called to his heart but something or someone was pushing our story line couple together, a push that would end with the possible destruction or savior of the BDB.

Meanwhile, the Lessening Society has returned with a new Omega. Lash, the son of the previous Omega, was desperate for power and control but found himself falling for Devina, the demon, who using the ancient Book of Spells, called Lash back from extinction. As Lash considered his journey towards the ultimate battle for power, he never considered someone else or something else has been marked into play.

Nate, the adopted son of Muhrder and Sarah returns as he continues to pine for our story line heroine. Nate, whose life once hung in the balance between life and the Fade, has returned, his immortality no longer in question but his future questionable in the face of the return of the Lessening Society. The Lessers are growing in numbers with the return of the Omega but someone else Is building their own army of Lessers, Lessers who are now of the female persuasion.

Like most of JR Ward’s recent story lines, there are many plot lines and characters called into play. As to the numerous pathways, several events begin to unfold but not all of the Brothers are present or accounted for. By way of mention, some return in the wake of the near destruction of the vampire society, while Lassiter’s mating brings together the love and support of many of the Blackdagger Brotherhood. Two fallen angels have returned to reclaim our story line hero but Lassiter continues to have business on Earth, he refuses to abide by the Creator’s demands.

Now to the numerous unanswered questions and concerns. Is LASSITER the end of the series, or the current series ARC? Does the author have plans for a spin off? -she already attempted with the Blackdagger Legacy. The epilogue advances the series thirty-three years, where we are witness to a few of the next generation. The thirty-three year time jump leaves many unanswered questions yet reveals a couple of surprising twists: More Needings? More Young? More Brothers? More Mates? More Angels and the purpose of more fallen angels? What happened to the Lessening Society? The Lessers? Davina and Lash? And of course, the reformation of the Glymera and its’ need to rule with discrimination and power? Or with the return of the fallen angels-Adrian Vogel and Eddie Blackhawk, and of course the demon Devina (originally from the Fallen Angels series)-does the author have more stories planned for her Fallen Angels?

As to some of these questions, when an author recalibrates a series that may be struggling, they inevitably return to what was once popular and strong: the Lessers, the Omega; the Glymera for example-all part of the original BDB series and wars. Ward is not the first, nor the last, to try a recharge using previous premise and plot lines but it often screams of desperation. Long time readers and fans know when a series is struggling and bringing back what was, is not necessarily, the way to go.

The anticipatory factor surrounding the story for certain characters is always fierce and strong but there is often a let down due to the excitement and build up of a beloved character(s). I have seen this happen before in this series, and with many other authors and their own series, and the results have always been the same. Yes, there are those diehard readers and fans that will accept everything and anything but a critical eye will see what is missing; what is not there-satisfaction, realization and accomplishment. Lassiter and Rahvyn were not the primary focus of the story but Lash, Devina and the return of the Lessers, as well as Nate and the future of the BDB. LASSITER felt like an introductory story to the next chapter/arc of the series, and in doing so, lost much of the momentum that is our Fallen Angel Lassiter. Lassiter’s free spirit, sassiness and innocence is missing.

LASSITER is a detailed and complex story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and love, secrets and lies. The premise is impassioned; the characters are numerous, animated and brooding; the romance is seductive but struggles in the face of secrets and the unknown.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

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J.R. Ward is the author of over thirty novels, including those in her #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling series, The Black Dagger Brotherhood. There are more than 15 million copies of Ward’s novels in print worldwide and they have been published in 25 different countries around the world.

After graduating from law school, Ward began working in healthcare in Boston and spent many years as Chief of Staff of one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation. She lives in the south with her incredibly supportive husband and her beloved golden retriever. Writing has always been her passion and her idea of heaven is a whole day of nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot.

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